If you’re going to have a health problem when travelling overseas, there can be a good chance it'll be diarrhoea. You’re more likely to get it if you’re visiting somewhere with poor sanitation.
Eating contaminated food and drinking contaminated water are common causes of travellers’ diarrhoea. So here are some tips on how to stay healthy.
How to avoid drinking contaminated water
- Always drink bottled water instead of tap water
- Use bottled water, rather than tap water, to brush your teeth
- Avoid drinks topped up with ice cubes made from tap water
- Don’t worry about drinking bottled or canned drinks – they shouldn’t be a problem
- If you’re going swimming, be careful not to swallow any water
How to avoid eating contaminated food
- Try to make sure that your food has been cooked properly
- Don’t leave food lying around on tables or sideboards
- Wash your hands with soap before eating
- Try to avoid raw foods washed in tap water
- Try to avoid eating uncooked meats or seafood
- Try to avoid eating food from street vendors
If you have severe diarrhoea, blood in your stools or a fever, or if symptoms persist for more than 48 hours consult a doctor and do not take Imodium®.
Take the stress out of travelling
Even without the worry of what you’re eating and drinking, holidays can be stressful. So, if anxiety is known to set off diarrhoea for you, try to make your holiday a relaxing one.
Take the stress out of things by trying to make sure your holiday is booked and organised early. You could even try getting someone else to organise the travel insurance, book the hotel or search for flights. Or, better still; go on a package where these things are done for you. If you’ve had a busy time of it at work recently, why not choose a holiday that’s all about unwinding. After all, it won’t be much of a break if you spend it worrying about diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea & travelling
If you’re going to have a health issue on holiday, the chances are it’ll be diarrhoea. Find out why and how to avoid it.
IMODIUM® Original capsules can stop diarrhoea in one dose.
IMODIUM® IBS Relief helps take control of your medically diagnosed IBS diarrhoea.
IMODIUM® Instants dissolve instantly on your tongue, so they’re great for when you’re on the go.
IMODIUM® Dual Action Tablets not only helps stop diarrhoea, but also soothe painful cramps, bloating and wind.
Where to buy IMODIUM®
It’s easy to find IMODIUM® in supermarkets, chemists and many other shops. You don't need a prescription, so you can buy it over the counter as well as online.